Pages

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

The Cape Codder Cocktail

July is here, and North America is set to celebrate. Today (July 1st) is Canada Day. And this Saturday, July 4, is Independence Day in the US.

So this is a busy week, full of cookouts and picnics. And to beat the summer heat, we’re all looking for something cool to quench our thirst.

Enter the Cape Codder. Its bright, slightly tart flavor is perfect for those long, hot summer days. And its gorgeous red hue lights up any party. You can even make a nonalcoholic version for those who prefer not to imbibe.

So choose your celebration, and raise a glass.

Recipe: The Cape Codder Cocktail

The Cape Codder (sometimes called the Cape Cod Cocktail) comes in several different versions.

We prefer the recipe used by cocktail historian extraordinaire, David Wondrich. But in the Notes, we discuss some other variations.

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice (if using). Stir briefly to combine, then top up with sparkling water (if using), and stir again.

Add straws and garnish with a lime slice or wedge (if using), and serve.

Notes

Any type of tall glass works for this drink. A Collins or highball glass is traditional. We like to use a hurricane glass because it looks so festive.

Any name-brand vodka should be fine in this cocktail. You don’t need anything too fancy—just avoid the really cheap stuff (you know, the kind that wears nothing but a white label with big black letters saying VODKA).

Although vodka is traditional in this drink, Wondrich has found a version that uses white rum instead. Sounds worth trying.

Most supermarkets carry both cranberry juice and “cranberry juice cocktail.” Cranberry juice is almost always sold in sweetened form, so it usually tastes much the same as cranberry juice cocktail. Either one works in this drink.

Many versions of this drink omit lime juice. That’s a mistake, in our opinion.

Many versions of this cocktail also omit sparkling water. We go back and forth on that one—so try it with and without, and see which you prefer. If you omit the sparkling water, you may want to increase the amount of cranberry juice a touch.

If you want to make a nonalcoholic version of this drink, simply omit the vodka. You may want to increase the amount of lime juice to add a bit of extra flavor.

Some versions of this drink use only an ounce or two of cranberry juice, instead of the 3 ounces we specify. We prefer more juice, but you may feel otherwise.

In addition to our tall-glass recipe, there’s an “up” version of this drink. To make it: Add 1½ ounces vodka, 1 ounce cranberry juice, ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, and ½ teaspoon sugar to a cocktail shaker that’s half-filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass.

We prefer the tall-glass version, but the up variation is interesting. It reminds us a lot of the Cosmo—a drink we’ll be featuring in a couple of weeks.

How did the Cape Codder Cocktail originate? Wikipedia says it was probably invented by Ocean Spray, an organization that markets cranberry juice. The drink likely dates back to around 1945, although it was called the “Red Devil” then. The “Cape Codder” moniker may have been adopted in the 1960s. But as is the case with most cocktails, we can’t really be all that sure about its origins.

Several other “cooler” drinks use cranberry juice (and resemble the Cape Codder). Perhaps the best known is the Sea Breeze: That one contains 1½ ounces vodka, 3 to 4 ounces cranberry juice, and 1 to 1½ ounces grapefruit juice.

There’s also a drink called the Bay Breeze (which contains pineapple juice). Not to mention the Madras (it has OJ).

Canada Day commemorates the 1867 act that saw Canada become a single entity within the British empire (prior to that, it was three separate colonies).

In the US, July 4 is celebrated as the day the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain (that happened in 1776).

1776: Men in Wigs

“This drink is a real sparkler,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Very appropriate for the Fourth of July.”

“Yup,” I said. “Makes me feel quite the firebrand.”

“Just like the chaps who signed the Declaration of Independence, eh?” said Mrs K R.

96 comments:

This does look so refreshing! Your photos are amazing. I can tell I would have to fore-go the straw because I might end up guzzling this and not be able to stand up! I bet it does down smooth :) Have a wonderful 4th! Pinning!

Finally I cocktail that I know and that I imbibe regularly. :) I need to get me some of those glasses. You make this cocktail look so much fancier than mine. Love this cocktail John and, you're right - perfect for the first week of July! Happy 4th!!

These cocktail look gorgeous! I hope that you have a great 4th of July holiday!

PS. Thanks for your comment about my green tea chiffon cake. Due to your comment, I have clarified my point saying that it is just my preference to follow the original recipe from the book. I have not tried JOC's recipe and hers might be good too :D Cheers!

WAWHOOooo.... 4th of July celebrations, such fun! I worked at a Summer camp a decade ago, never experienced a party like that before. One of the kids fathers owned a firework factory, so we were all spoilt with a special display. #magic

This cocktail sure is pretty. And as always, your photos are gorgeous. Taking your recipe out to the bar now. This will be on the menu next week.

Hi John, this drink is perfect for the 4th, love the color and I bet it goes down very smooth. Fireworks are a big deal on the coast here, our first year we thought the firework show was on the beach until the real show started, the ones on the beach were the illegal ones, Who knew?

Wow that is a gorgeous cocktail and I wish I was in Cape Cod....but I am doing good at the family cottage right now too ;-) Thank you so much for mentioning Canada day too! And happy Independence Day to you. Serious questions though: those ice cubes loo to perfect to be real?????

Hi Evelyne, I like pretty ice cubes, so those are acrylic (just because they look so terrific; plus, they don't float). The cheap ones. The ones you see in magazine ads? Handmade, $20 to $50 apiece. Really! Anyway, this is a wonderful drink! Thanks for the comment.

Happy 4th John and Mrs. "Kitchenriff"! So bright and vibrant and a great way to celebrate. Refreshing! I love those little trapped bubbles in your ice cubes such a beautiful way to get those awesome shots!!! Cheers! Gambei!

Oh, this is such a beautiful, sparkly drink. I wish I had seen this for Canada Day! This will go well anytime though and so colourful and summery. Your photos are always stunning! Happy Independence Day!

Hi John,Thank you for thinking about me and sending your prayers as well. It has been a really rough time the whole month of June. I was in the hospital. I have had a bad case of Cellulitis on my leg. It has been so painful and it really takes so long to heal. The only way I would get some relief was laying down in the bed. This didn't help my Lupus and MS as it was stressing me out so much. I have a nurse that comes 2 times a week to check my leg and my vitals. Thank God for pain killers, I am at least able to get up without crying from the pain. The doctors can't figure out where or how I got this problem. I have not been on FB and have not posted anything to my blog as it has been hard to sit at my PC. Hopefully I will be back to blogging on Friday... Hope all is well with you and your families and you had a wonderful July 4th. I am sorry that I have not been able to get back to you sooner and read all of your posts. This drink is perfect for a hot summers day, love the color. Be well....Dottie x

Hi Dottie, poor you! You've really been suffering, and I feel for you. Happy to hear that you're doing better, but wow, what you've been through! Will be glad to see you posting again, but don't rush it -- get your strength back. One of these will probably help. :D So glad to hear from you again.